PHUKET: Sailor and snake-lover Kevin Ashby died aged 44 on Phuket today after a long battle with colon cancer.

Originally from South Africa, Mr Ashby leaves family there and in Britain. On Phuket he leaves girlfriend ''Noi'' Sangwan who gave up her job many months ago to be by his side.

The Phuket expat endeared himself to many through his love of the ocean and snakes, which he kept and bred.

One Phuket resident who called in Mr Ashby when she needed a snake removed from her home said he was ''as happy as a kid at Christmas'' as he carried away the hissing reptile.

He also was noted at one time for ''wearing'' a parrot on a shoulder, pirate style.

Mr Ashby made many friends at the Ao Chalong Yacht Club when he arrived on Phuket after the tsunami.

''Kevin came to Phuket to take a yacht back to South Africa but the motor failed soon after he put to sea so he ended up staying here,'' a friend said today.

Colon cancer reduced his ability to do as much as he would have liked but did not diminish his spirit. He counselled many other cancer sufferers.

His mother died about four weeks ago.

Working up to October, Mr Ashby spent his final months living at the Da Vinci Yacht Charters office in southern Phuket.

''He also loved motorcycles and cars and was a great guy,'' another friend said.

Mr Ashby died at Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket City. Funeral arrangements are being made.